An Eid Gift that Changed a Young Woman’s Life

Posted By: Zakat Foundation of America

Aug 16, 2012

Mahejabeen Madarkar is from the Bijapur District in Karnataka, India and has always wanted to become a doctor. Mahejabeen is one of the top students in her medical class but she has something that sets her apart from the others; Mahejabeen is 65% disabled and gets to class using a manual wheelchair.

From 2005 to 2011 Mahejabeen attended Karnataka Medical College in Hubli, India, where she received her medical degree and graduated third in her class. She is now specializing in dermatology at Father Muller Medical College in Mangalore and has surprised her friends and family by not letting her disability stop her from reaching her goals.

Mahejabeen is one of seven children to a father who recently retired and a mother who is a homemaker. Zakat Foundation of America (ZF) has extended their support to Mahejabeen and is covering the cost of books and tuition in order for her to complete her specialization. ZF has also purchased an electric wheelchair for Mahejabeen, to replace her manual wheelchair, in order to make it possible for Mahejabeen to treat patients faster and easier.

Mahejabeen received her electric wheelchair on August 15 and she could not contain her happiness. Mahejabeen said the electric wheelchair is the best gift she has ever received and the people who made this happen, including ZF and Executive Director, Halil Demir, are in her deepest prayers.

Alhumdulillah, we have been inspired by Mahejabeen’s drive and commitment and we hope you have been too. This Ramadan, please give your Zakat to help someone like Mahejabeen’s dreams come true.